Calling Artists: Brighten Up Hastings' Historic Bottle Alley Seafront!

Bottle Alley is a unique and historic walkway along the seafront in Hastings, built in the 1930s by Sidney Little, who was known for his innovative engineering. This covered promenade stretches between the pier and Warrior Square, featuring 113 concrete columns that frame views of the beach and the sea. What makes Bottle Alley especially interesting is the way its walls are decorated. Pieces of glass bottles, mostly green and brown with some yellow, are embedded in the concrete, creating colorful patterns that catch the light and give the walkway its name. There are also smaller panels with different designs placed at intervals along the alley.

Hastings Borough Council is now looking for artists to come up with fresh ideas to brighten up Bottle Alley. Since 2017, an art installation called Wavelengths has added color to the space, but the paintwork is now fading and needs attention. The council says that Bottle Alley faces many challenges. In the summer, the sunlight is very strong, and in the winter, storms bring salt spray and dampness. The number of people walking through also means that any artwork has to be tough and durable. The changing light throughout the year adds another layer of difficulty for artists to consider.

The council has set aside a budget of £30,000 for the new art project. They want the artwork to either withstand the harsh conditions or to interact with them in a creative way. Bottle Alley is not just a walkway; it is a key route for pedestrians and a part of Hastings' history. The original design even included glazed shutters, though only the tracks remain today. The council hopes that by inviting artists to share their ideas, they can make Bottle Alley an even more attractive and memorable place for both locals and visitors. They are encouraging anyone with creative ideas to get in touch and help shape the future of this iconic seafront promenade.